Diagnosing injuries and illness can be done using noninvasive radiology technology.
Medical professionals use diagnostic radiologic technology to detect and analyze disease and injuries. The technology uses imaging methods such as X-rays, mammography, magnetic resonance image, ultrasound and computed tomography. X-rays, the first of these methods used, were first used in 1895 by a German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen. Since then advances have produced additional imaging technologies spurred on by the use of digital computers.
X-ray
X-rays use a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce images of internal bones, joints and soft tissue. This method is the fastest and easiest way for physicians to examine and detect broken bones, joint problems, injuries and arthritis issues. The process has no side effects and limited risk of cancer for the patient. The equipment normally consists of an X-ray tube over a plate that contains X-ray film.
Mammography
Mammography uses low-dose X-rays on the breast to produce a digital image to detect disease. Digital mammography converts X-rays into electrical signals, replacing the X-ray film. The images produced are then viewed and stored on a computer. A computer-aided detection (CAD) system searches for and alerts the technician to problem areas. As with X-rays there are no side effects and limited risk of cancer.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio frequency pulses, a computer and an extremely powerful magnetic field to produce images. Typically used for internal body structures, such as soft tissue and organs, it does not use ionizing radiation as X-rays do. The patient lies very still in a large tube while the images are taken. The images produced are very detailed and therefore better for viewing certain diseases. The results are viewed on a computer. MRIs have no side effects and risk is limited to the general risks involved in sedation, if the patient needs this to remain still.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce an actual moving image so medical personnel can see the internal organs functioning and/or blood moving in the veins. As with MRIs they do not use ionizing radiation. The equipment used in ultrasound technology consists of scanners connected to a computer. The scanner is a transducer that looks similar to a microphone. The technician passes this over the patient's body. The transducer sends out the sound waves, which then translate to the real-time image on the computer. There are no side effects or risks.
Computed Tomography
Computed tomography, or CT or CAT scanning, uses multiple X-ray beams and electronic X-ray detectors. This special X-ray equipment produces multiple cross-sectional images used to investigate problems already identified with a standard X-ray. The equipment looks similar to the MRI equipment--the patient lies in a large tube while the images are taken. The process has no side effects and limited risk of causing cancer.
Radiology as a Profession
Radiologists are the professionals who work with diagnostic radiological technology equipment. They must earn a basic healthcare associate or bachelor's degree, attend a school that offers a radiology technician program and pass the certification exam for the state in which the technician plans to work.
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